Micah Franklin is aiming to retain his title at the Digicel Bermuda National Squash Championship next month as part of his attempt to break into the world’s top 150.

The Championship, which takes place from March 12 to 17, will allow participants the opportunity to qualify to represent the island at the Caribbean Squash Championships and the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Australia’s Gold Coast.

Franklin, the world No 154 and defending men’s champion, is up against tough opposition in the form of last year’s finalist and fellow PSA World Tour player Noah Browne, presently ranked No 223 in the world.

Both Bermudians will have to battle through a tough field including former champion Patrick Foster, former World Tour player Kristen Johnson and Robbie Maycock, the Bermuda Squash Rackets Association club champion.

Franklin, who just returned from a pro event in Calgary, said: “It’s going to be a tough task for sure. Every year sees all the players improving and working hard to win this.

“With the added incentive of qualification for the Caribbean and the 2018 Commonwealth Games at stake this is going to be a high-pressure event.”

The women’s championship will see club champion Rachel Barnes looking to retain her title. Barnes took the two biggest titles in Bermuda squash last year by winning back-to-back club and national titles in her best year yet.

With Susie Lacey, Sarah Nicholson, Emma Keane and a host of others vying for the title she will need to produce her best squash to maintain her run.

Running alongside the men’s and women’s championships are the veterans events for men over-45 and women over-40.

The event will be sponsored once again by Digicel, whose sales director Shane McDonnell said; “Digicel has been supporting squash in Bermuda for ten years and has been key corporate sponsor to Micah Franklin.

“We are happy to have been part of the growth of the sport, and we are thrilled to see the success of the young players and the benefits that squash offers the local community.

“We wish all the players the best of luck.”

Entries for the championships close on March 3 and should be e-mailed to patrickf@bermudasquash.com.

For more details visit www.bermudasquash.com or call 292-6881.